Make Your Event a "Zero-Waste" Event

Large public events are notorious for producing lots of trash. As part of the effort to promote and implement recycling, reuse and composting practices, our office has developed the following guide to help you make your event Zero-Waste.

2. HOW TO SET-UP STATIONS:Next you’ll need to be strategic about how to collect disposed materials most efficiently from your participants.Keep all types of containers clustered together, in the same order and color coded for visual continuity; Ensure signs are attached to each container:1. “Compostable” to brown or green cart2. “Recyclable” to blue cart3. “Landfill” to black cart (if using)

3. HOW TO EDUCATE:If possible, enlist volunteers to educate participants. Emphasize the “training” aspect of learning by doing – People should do the sorting themselves and the volunteers are there to verbally direct them. Appropriate comments or questions to ask include:

“Do you know where trash that gets buried goes?” (Look this up ahead of time, if you don’t know – Santa Monica sends buried trash to the Puente Hills Landfill)

“Do you know where to sort your waste?”

“Do you have any questions about this zero waste station?”

“Our goal is to keep all waste out of the landfill.”

“We will compost or recycle all these products.”

“Avoid single use food containers, cups and bags. Use reusable mugs, containers and bags. Keep extras in your car and at work.”